Self supporting tensile tent

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a self supporting tensile tent structure and methods for use of such a structure. According to one embodiment, structure includes six component panels positioned above ground surface: a roof, a bathtub bottom positioned below the roof component, a pair of side panels and front and back panels all vertically oriented and attached to the roof by a top edge and further attached to the bathtub bottom by a bottom edge; a pair of reinforced corners at the end of the tensile tent anchors structure to the ground surface; a supporting member to create loft for the tensile tent toward the front of the structure by elevating the roof component above the ground surface; a second pair of reinforced corners anchors the front of the tensile tent to the ground surface and induces tension to the roof when erected. Other related embodiments are described.

PRIORITY

This U.S. utility patent application is related to and claims prioritythe U.S. provisional application filed on Jul. 6, 2012 entitled“Cycle-Leanto” having application number 61/690,837, the entire contentsof which are incorporated by reference herein.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate to the field of recreationalequipment and more particularly to a self supporting tensile tentstructure is as described herein.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter discussed in the background section should not beassumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in thebackground section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the backgroundsection or associated with the subject matter of the background sectionshould not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the priorart. The subject matter in the background section merely representsdifferent approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond toembodiments of the claimed inventions.

Tents exist to provide a protected area for the occupant to escape theexterior elements during times of layover or rest.

Unfortunately, tents presently available today require structuralsub-frame elements (e.g., such as tent poles) to be carried with thetent so that the tent is supported when erected for use. Such requiredstructural sub-frame elements add significant bulk and heft to a tentthat is packed up for transport, or otherwise not in use, and thereforeconsumes an already limited amount of space otherwise available forpacking or carrying supplies necessary for a journey, camping trip, etc.

Therefore, a self-supporting tensile tent structure would represent asignificant contribution to the state of the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, and can be more fully understood with reference to thefollowing detailed description when considered in connection with thefigures in which:

FIG. 1 shows the top panel details of an exemplary structure;

FIG. 2 shows the front panel details of an exemplary structure;

FIG. 3 shows the side panels of an exemplary structure;

FIG. 4 shows the back panel details of an exemplary structure;

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary structure supported by a bicycle or othersupporting member in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary structure without a bicycle in accordance withthe disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 7 shows top front corner detail of the top panel of an exemplarystructure;

FIG. 8 shows bottom front corner detail of the top panel of an exemplarystructure;

FIG. 9 shows back corner details of the top panel of an exemplarystructure; and

FIG. 10 shows bottom back corner detail of the top panel of an exemplarystructure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein is a personal tensile tent system and structures usablewith professional cycle/motorcycle touring equipment. According to theseveral embodiments, such system and structures provide at least thefollowing advantages over conventional solutions: accommodation ofuser/s and gear, the adaptability to multiple users' mode of transport,the reduction of structure maintenance, ease of set up as a result ofminimum frame members and the increased security of one's travel device.

Conventional tents utilized for cycle/motorcycle touring are designed tobe small and packable. For example, consider the EUREKA Solitaire Tentor the COLEMAN Hooligan 2, both of which are packable tents under 6pounds which accommodate one or two persons.

The utilization of a tensile design greatly increases the size of thesleeping compartment. The resulting size increases ones comfort whiledecreasing the size to weight ratio.

A tensile structure is a construction of elements carrying only tensionand no compression or bending. The term tensile should not be confusedwith tensegrity, which is a structural form with both tension andcompression elements. Tensile structures are a common type of thin-shellstructures. A tensile membrane structure is commonly used as a roof, asthey can economically and attractively span large distances.

Use of a tensile structure provides not only sanctuary for the user butsecurity for the mode of transport, be it a bicycle, motorcycle, etc.Embodiments described herein may incorporate a bicycle or a motorcyclein its set up as well as other ridged and/or stationary structures orobjects available as will be described in additional detail below. Bydesign, the rider does not have to worry about the security of thebicycle or motorcycle as the rider sleeps as it is both in closeproximity to the rider's tent and also utilized as a supporting elementfor the tensile tent structure.

According to one embodiment, the tensile tent structure is packable anddoes not exceed 160 cubic inches of space when packed. The tensile tentstructure sets up without requiring any frame elements to be packedwith, or carried with the packed tent.

According to one embodiment, the tensile tent structure is designed forthe motorcyclist, cyclist or backpacker looking for a three season tentwith minimal setup and weight. An additional benefit to motorcyclist andcyclist users is that the tent provides security and weather protectionof their particular mode of transportation when the tent is deployed.Conventional three season tents are designed to accommodate recreationalusers of cycles/motorcycles in weather conditions that generallycorrespond to the spring, summer, and fall seasons. This seasonal usagecorresponds to the traditional usage period of a cycle/motorcycle.

One active niche market for tents are single purpose tents thusidentifying with a consumer base that has a particular interest.

With the absence of a frame the tensile tent structure describedrequires fewer parts to assemble. With the decrease in parts the tensiletent structure described sets up faster than conventionally availabletents. Moreover, with the absence of frame the tensile tent structuredescribed is lighter than conventional tents.

FIG. 1 shows the top panel details of an exemplary structure 100.Element 171 depicts the direction toward the first end of the structureon the lateral left hand side and element 172 depicts the directiontoward the second end of the structure on the lateral right hand side.

Roof fabric 101 provides the roof of the sleeping compartment of thetensile tent structure 100. According to one embodiment it is awater-repellent, air tight, fire retardant nylon fabric, without seams.

Reinforced corners 110L and 110R provide the top front attachments andtensioning points for the structure 100. These points are reinforcedwith the addition of a secondary fabric to distribute the loads andforces present when the tent is under tension.

Reinforced corners 120L and 120R are the top back attachments andtensioning points for the structure 100. These points are reinforcedwith the addition of a secondary fabric to distribute the loads andforces present when the tent structure 100 is under tension.

Catenary arcs 130L and 130R are the catenaries on the sides of the tenttop. A catenary is a curve theoretically formed by a perfectly flexible,uniformly dense, inextensible “cable” suspended from each of two endpoints. In fabric structures experience, this shape is probably not evertruly developed, but is used to describe the shape developed at theboundary of a uniformly stressed fabric structure attached to a cablewhich is restrained only at its end points.

The use of catenaries increases the tension of the fabric. Thisincreased tension reduces fabric flapping and wind disturbance. In doingso, wind abuse is reduced on the fabric, thus increasing the fabric'slongevity and further increasing the integrity of the tent structure100.

According to the embodiment shown, the catenary arcs 130L and 130R aremirror to one another and run parallel to one another. The catenary arcs130L and 130R further work in conjunction with one another, thuscontributing to the tensile system of the structure 100.

Front and back catenaries 140F and 140B form the catenaries on the frontand back of the tent structure's 100 top. According to the embodimentshown, these arcs are mirror to one another and run parallel to oneanother. These arcs work in conjunction with one another contributing tothe tensile system of the tent structure 100.

The combination 130L and 130R with 140F and 140B are pairs of catenaryarcs in parallel orientation to one another. This pairing and tensioningallows this design to work without additional frame supports otherstructures must rely on.

Front panel attachment 150F forms the point at which the front panel(element 299 of FIG. 2) attaches to the roof fabric 101 via top edge250.

Back panel attachment 150B forms the point at which the back panel (seeelement 420 of FIG. 3) attaches to the roof fabric 101.

Grommet tab 160 forms an attachment point for anchoring the structure100 to the ground. According to one embodiment, grommet tab 160 isconstructed of a 1″ wide web that protrudes from roof fabric 101 by 1inch with the opposite end of grommet tab 160 being sewn to theunderside of roof fabric 101. According to one embodiment, grommet tab160 is a brass grommet having an opening of one-quarter inch (0.25″).

FIG. 2 shows the front panel 299 details of an exemplary structure.

Front fabric 200 forms the entry (e.g., the front door) and front panel299 of the tent structure 100. According to one embodiment, front fabric200 is a water-repellent, air tight, fire retardant nylon fabric.

Mesh vent 210 provides for air circulation through the tent structure100. According to one embodiment mesh vent 210 is a coated mesh fabric.A mesh fabric is a woven, knit or knotted material of open texture withevenly spaced holes and is top coated with a PVC or other coating.

Element 220 forms the entrance into the tent structure 100. Element 220may be constructed of the same fabric that roof fabric 101 and frontfabric 200 are made from. Element 220 is achieved with the presence ofzipper 230. The entrance flap at element 220 of the tent structure 100becomes a waterproof mat under the overhang area when zipper 230 isunzipped. According to one embodiment, the mat formed by element 220provides approximately five square feet of mat space.

According to one embodiment, zipper 230 is a chain zipper with a doublepull. A double pull zipper provides access and operation of the zipper230 from either inside or outside of the tent structure 100.

Bathtub bottom 240 forms the bottom portion of the tent structure 100.Bathtub bottom 240 additionally forms bottom is the sleeping surface ofthe tent structure 100. According to one embodiment, the sleeping areais approximately 36 feet wide by 7 feet long. According to oneembodiment, bathtub bottom 240 is constructed of a water proof vinylfabric, Polyethylene, polypropylene or a PVC coated fabric. Floor pleatsin the corners of the tent structure 100 form a two inch lip, thusforming the shape of the bathtub bottom 240. The term “bathtub bottom”is the resulting shape when the four sides of a sheet is folded up andpleated in the corners. The top edges of the bathtub bottom 240 areattached to the bottom edges of side fabric 300L and 300R shown at FIG.3. Conventional tents available today do not provide the combination ofa tensile form with a sleeping compartment that is fully enclosed.

Element 250 forms the top edge of the front panel 299. Top edge 250attaches to the roof fabric 101 near a first end of the tent structure101. Element 251 forms the bottom edge of the front panel 299. Bottomedge 251 attaches to the bathtub bottom 240 near the first end of thetent structure 101.

Elements 260R and 260L form the side edges which attach to side fabric300R and 300L respectively.

The front panel 299 is made up of two fabrics; mesh vent 210 and frontfabric 200. According to one embodiment, mesh vent 210 is a small 30inch wide by 2.5 inch tall section centered over the entrance at element220. The remaining 26.5 inches of height, according to this embodiment,being made up of front fabric 200.

The front panel 299 attaches to the roof fabric 101. According to oneembodiment, front panel 299 is set back 36 inches from catenary arch140F.

According to one embodiment, zipper 230 starts at the bottom left, setback three inches in from edge 260L. Zipper 230 then travels upvertically to within one inch of mesh vent 210 and then zipper 230travels parallel below mesh vent 210 until the zipper 230 is withinthree inches of edge 260R. Zipper 230 then travels vertically down tothe point at which bathtub bottom 240 and front fabric 200 meet, thuscausing the zipper 230 to form an inverted “U” shape.

FIG. 3 shows the side panels 300R and 300L of an exemplary structure.

Side panels 300L and 300R form the sides of tent structure 100.According to one embodiment, side panels 300R and 300L are a mirroredpair of water repellent, air tight, fire retardant nylon fabric.

Top edge 330L and 330R form a sloping edge at the top of the side panels300R and 300L and attaches to the roof fabric 101 between front panelattachment 150F and back panel attachment 150B.

The bottom straight edge of 300L and 300R attaches bathtub bottom 240.

Element 310 forms a side grommet tab to anchor the tent structure 100 tothe ground. For example, grommet 310 may be utilized when a tent stakeis inserted thru the grommet and put in to the ground thus securing thebottom sides of the tent.

Element 310 may be constructed of one inch wide web that protrudes frombathtub bottom 240 by three inches with the opposite side of sidegrommet tab 310 being sewn to the underside of bathtub bottom 240.According to one embodiment, element 310 is a brass grommet having anopening of a quarter of an inch (0.25 inches).

FIG. 4 shows the back panel 499 details of an exemplary structure.

Back fabric 400 forms the back panel 499 of the tent structure 100.According to one embodiment, back fabric 400 is a water-repellent, airtight, fire retardant nylon fabric.

Mesh vent 410 forms a vent into the tent structure 100 for the purposesof air ventilation. According to one embodiment mesh vent 410 is formedfrom a coated mesh fabric that is woven, knitted or knotted, forming amaterial of open texture with evenly spaced holes and may additionallybe top coated with a PVC or other coating.

Element 420 forms the top edge of the back panel 499 which attaches tothe roof fabric 101 near a second end of the tent structure 101. Element421 forms the bottom edge of the back panel 499. Bottom edge 421attaches to the bathtub bottom 240 near the second end of the tentstructure 101.

Elements 430R and 430L form the edges of back panel 499. Edges 430R and430L attach to side fabrics 300R and 300L respectively.

According to one embodiment, the back panel 499 is a ten inch tall panelmade up of two fabrics, mesh vent 410 and back fabric 400. In oneembodiment, mesh vent 410 is a small 30 inches wide by 8 inches tallsection centered over bathtub bottom 240. The remaining small wedges offabric at the lateral left and right sides of back fabric 400 areattached to mesh vent 410 forming element 420 at the top edge. Accordingto one embodiment, the back panel 499 attaches to the roof fabric 101set back 18 inches from catenary arc 140B.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary structure supported by a bicycle or othersupporting member in accordance with one embodiment.

Front vestibule 500 forms a covered or protected area outside theentrance at the first end of structure 171 of tent structure 100.According to one embodiment, front vestibule 500 projects 30 inches fromthe front panel 299 to provide shade as well as a covered area. In suchan embodiment, the covered area is 8.25 square feet of covered vestibulespace. Front vestibule 500 is unique as it is incorporated as part ofthe seamless roof fabric element 101.

Rear vestibule 510 forms a covered outside storage area at the secondend of structure 172 of the tent structure 101. According to oneembodiment, the covered outside storage area formed by rear vestibule510 is a small 4.5 square foot covered vestibule which may be utilized,for example, to store gear outside. Rear vestibule 510 is unique as itis incorporated as part of the seamless roof fabric 101.

Element 520 depicts the supporting member for the tensile tent structure100, such as a bicycle as shown at FIG. 5. The purpose of the supportingmember 520 is to create the tent structure's 100 primary source of loft.Element 520 in this illustration has eliminated specialized poles orframe member elements that are required by conventional tents availableto the market place today.

Users of the disclosed self supporting tensile tent structure 100 willalready be using supporting member 520 (e.g., such as a bicycle ormotorcycle, etc.) as a means of transport. Such a user can thereforere-purpose the bicycle into a structural element to provide loft to theself supporting tensile tent structure 100.

While a bicycle is depicted at FIG. 5 as the supporting member 520, anynumber of objects may be utilized in the same fashion so as to attainthe described loft provided by support structure 520. Examples of othersuitable objects that can easily be utilized in lieu of the bicycle forsupporting member 520 include, but are not limited to: a log, amotorcycle, a .trailer, an ATV, a wall, a bench, and so forth.

Anchor point 530 slopes in a downwards fashion and is attached to theground. by placing a ground stake or other ground securing membersthrough the grommet in variable length tension strap with grommet 710.One embodiment has support structure 520 leverage under roof fabric 101.The Roof fabric 101 and the variable length tension strap with grommet710 over the structural member and secured to the ground via variablelength tension strap with grommet 710 after pressure is applied tovariable length tension strap with grommet 710 via double Barr buckle700 the bicycle can stand upright without the use of a kick stand. Thesame downward attachment of 530 can be done with any number of objects.Suitable objects that can easily be inserted into FIG. 5 can be thefollowing but not limited to the following: a log, a bicycle, amotorcycle, a trailer, an ATV, a wall, a bench.

In another embodiment the supporting member 520 other than the shownbicycle of FIG. 5 the support member 520 can be but not limited to: alog, a motorcycle, a trailer, an ATV, a wall, a bench, and so forth.

FIG. 6 shows exemplary structure without a bicycle in accordance withthe disclosed embodiments.

Anchor point 600 is the anchor point for structure 100 that slopes in anupward angle. Anchor point 600 of this embodiment has variable lengthtension strap with grommet 710 attached to reinforced corner 110L and110R. This embodiment has variable length tension strap with grommet 710at a height greater than a height of the front panel 299, sources ofheight greater than the height of front panel 299 can be but not limitedto the following: A vehicle (car, truck, bus, motorcycle, two trees, afence, a house, a bench).

The anchor point 600 is completed once the variable length tension strapwith grommet 710 is anchored and tensioned. In one embodiment thevariable length tension strap with grommet is tied or otherwise securedto an object, the variable length tension strap with grommet 710 doesnot necessarily have to go to the ground. Once the variable lengthtension strap with grommet 710 is securely attached pressure is appliedto the variable length tension strap with grommet 710, this is done bypulling on the loose end that is run through the double Barr Buckle 700.

In another embodiment the variable length tension strap with grommet 710attached to reinforced corner 110L is attached to anchor point 530 whilevariable length tension strap with grommet 710 attached to reinforcedcorner 110R is attached to anchor point 600.

FIG. 7 shows top front corner detail 799 of the top panel of anexemplary structure.

The double Barr buckle 700 adjusts and holds the tension to roof fabric101 and structure 100. In this embodiment the double Barr buckle 700allows for quick release of the tension previously applied for ease oftent disassembly. Double Barr buckle 700 can be constructed of nylonthat is sewn to both reinforced corners 110L and 110R via web attachment720.

Variable length tension strap with grommet 710 provides the tension tostructure 100.

Variable length tension strap with grommet 710 may be constructed of oneinch wide web with one end being attached to double Barr buckle 700 andthe other end having brass grommet having an opening of a quarter of aninch (0.25 inches). The end of the web that has been run though 700 arenow pulled on to create the tension for the structure 100 and rooffabric 101.

Element 720 forms the web attachment strap. In one embodiment it is an 8inch by 1 inch wide web strap that is a doubled over segment of web sewndown to the underside of reinforced 110L and 110R after having beeninserted into the double Barr buckle 700.

FIG. 8 Shows bottom front corner detail 899 of the top panel of anexemplary structure.

Element 800 forms a web tab with grommet to anchor tent structure 100 tothe ground. For example, web tab with grommet 800 is sewn into thecorner pleat of bathtub bottom 240 and may be utilized when a tent stakeis inserted through the grommet and put into the ground thus securingthe bottom front corner 899 of the tent. In one embodiment the grommetis a brass grommet that has an opening of one quarter of an inch (0.25inches).

FIG. 9 Shows back corner details of the top panel of an exemplarystructure.

Back corner grommet tab 900 may be constructed of one inch wide web thatprotrudes from reinforced corners 120L and 120R by three inches with theopposite side of grommet tab 900 being sewn to the backside ofreinforced corners 120L and 120R. The back corner grommet tab 900 can bebrass having an opening of a quarter of an inch (0.25 inches).

The purpose of 900 is for attachment to the ground. In one embodimentthe grommet in 900 will be utilized when a tent stake is insertedthrough the grommet and put in to the ground thus securing the top backcorner of the tent.

FIG. 10 Shows bottom back corner detail of the top panel of an exemplarystructure.

Double grommet tab 1010 holds the support post 1020 and also has aground anchoring point. In one embodiment the double grommet tab isconstructed of 1″ wide web that protrudes from the bathtub bottom 240 by3.5 inches, the other end of the tab is sewn into the corner pleat ofthe bathtub bottom 240, the two brass grommets placed 1.25 inches part.The grommets have an opening of one quarter of an inch (0.25 inches).

In one embodiment the grommet closest toward the second end holds thesupport post 1020 with the other grommet receiving a stake to anchordouble grommet tab 1010 to the ground.

Support post 1020 is a 10 inch tall aluminum post that is only utilizedduring alternative embodiments of the structure to increase the interiorvolume to the sleeping compartment.

In one embodiment support post 1020 does not have a top or a bottom oneend is inserted into grommet tab 160 and the other is inserted into theinner grommet of double grommet tab 1010.

The invention had to overcome several issues. The first is the securityof one's mode of transportation the bicycle/motorcycle. FIG. 5 shows theintegral use of the complete bicycle or support member 520 for thevertical support of the structure while providing additional securityfor said support member. In one embodiment the bicycles' security isincreased due to the fact that any disruption of the bicycle will alertthe occupant, and the removal of the cycle will render the tensile tentstructure 100 unusable, making tampering with the bicycle virtuallyimpossible. The current design of tours and rallies usingbicycles/motorcycles have these devices stored or located in areas awayfrom where the participant is located this increasing ones anxiety overthe security of said cycle/motorcycle

Another issue overcome through practice of the embodiments is thevarying heights and sizes of bicycles/motorcycles in use. The frontvestibule 500 is the resulting distance between the tensile tents frontpanel 299 and the placement of the bicycle. In one embodiment the 30inch length of the front vestibule 500 allows for the tent toaccommodate varying structure heights. This ability to accommodatevarious heights of support structures 520 is a unique characteristic tothis embodiment and this invention alone. Stated another way theresulting distance of roof fabric 101 beyond the front panel 299 is notconstrained by any additional panels this affecting its angle or heightto the ground. Stated further the Variable length tension straps withgrommet 710 attached to 110L and 110R in turn connected to the rooffabric 101 affects the height and angle of front vestibule by eitherdraping over support structure 520 or to an alternative anchor point 600as seen in FIG. 6. It is not necessary to have the support member 520 asshown in another embodiment. In one embodiment the front vestibule 500is present as a direct result of having centenary arc 140F 30 inchesaway from the front panel 299.

A third issue was the use and support of a tensile structure. A tensilestructure by design is a structure in which the fabric is in tension,which is in direct contrast to traditional recreational tent forms. Inone embodiment it is necessary to have a structural member 520 to createa recreational tensile structure. FIG. 5 shows a bicycle traditionallyused during a recreational activity be re-purposed to become structuralmember 520 for this embodiment. The inclusion of the bicycle/motorcycleas support member 520 as the primary source of loft for the structure'sheight thus eliminates additional poles and weight, which is necessaryfor conventional structures. Stated differently, while the motorcycle orcycle (structural member 520) itself obviously has mass and weight, auser of the disclosed self supporting tensile tent structure willalready be using the motorcycle or cycle as a means of transport, andsuch a user can re-purpose the same motorcycle or cycle into astructural element 520 to provide loft to the self supporting tensiletent structure, thus eliminating the necessary to carry a specializedstructural element unique to the disclosed self supporting tensile tentstructure. This elimination of a specialized structural element for thesake of loft results in elimination of weight and elimination ofadditional pieces that must be carried. Further still, setup and teardown are simplified as the motorcycle or cycle will be utilized as amode of transport once the self supporting tensile tent structure isremoved, and thus, the motorcycle or cycle requires no tear downwhatsoever, in contrast to conventional solutions in which thestructural elements which provide loft must be broken down into a moremanageable and compact size. The loft created by the cycle/motorcyclenot only provides volume to the sleeping compartment but furtheraccentuates the visual character of the tensile structure.

This embodiment does not rely on a frame in contrast to conventionaltent structures which require such a frame. Conventional recreationaltents rely on their frames to provide the shape, loft and tension of thetent. This embodiment relies on the tension which is derived from thevariable length tension strap with grommet 710, and loft of the fabricto provide the tent's shape. This loft and tension is created in twoways. One embodiment as depicted in FIG. 5 by leveraging thecycle/motorcycle toward the first end of the structure 171 under thefront vestibule 500 and securing from the variable length tension strapwith grommet 710. An alternative embodiment to create loft and tensionis done by attaching the variable length tension strip with grommet 710to a stationary object at a height greater than a height of the frontpanel. Another embodiment as the front vestibule 500 not being directlysupported by anything but has the variable length tension strap withgrommet 710 attach to an object directly and not the ground. Theseobjects can be the following but not limited to the following: a log, abicycle, a motorcycle, a trailer, an ATV, a wall, a bench or trees.

Support post 1020 is a 10 inch tall vertical frame member (one on eachside). In one embodiment it can be utilized to create additional volumeto the sleeping compartment. The length of support post 1020 may ofcourse vary. In another embodiment support post 1020 can be eliminated,thus further decreasing the dependency on specialized frame members forthe self supporting tensile tent structure 100 without hampering thefunctionality of the structure. The absence of support post 1020increasing the versatility of the tensile tent structure 100 whileincreasing the size to weight ratio (e.g., in terms of volumetricsleeping capacity). A larger sleeping area that requires less weight tobe carried is considered advantageous over conventional solutions.

Side grommet tab 310, web tab with grommet 800 and double grommet tab1010 are the three left side ground attachments (6 total in oneembodiment). These attachments provide the footprint for the sleepingcompartment. An attachment stake is placed through the grommet and theninto the ground.

The use of the tensile tent structure 100 is not solely limited to thecyclist or motorcyclist users. Campers and hikers also benefit from theunique characteristics of this structure as outlined above. FIG. 6 showsthe structure being utilized without structural member 520. As long asproper tensioning can be achieved on variable length tensioning strapswith grommet 710 the structure can utilize anything to create loft forexample a car, two trees or a picnic table.

In one embodiment the entrance 220 to the tent becomes a waterproof matunder the front vestibule 500 when unzipped which creates 5 square feetof space.

With the back panel 499 in one embodiment attaching to the roof fabric101 18 inches away from catenary arc 140B two things are achieved. Thefirst is the creation of the 4.5 square foot covered rear vestibule 510used for outside storage. The second is mesh vent 410 is covered by theroof fabric 101, protecting from the elements but freely allowing theinterior air and moisture to vent, controlling condensation and interiortemperature.

In another embodiment the method of setting up structure 100 is bone byleveraging the front vestibule over structural element 520 and variablelength tension straps with grommet 710 to the ground.

Another embodiment has the variable length tension straps with grommet710 angling upwards to a height greater than the height of the frontpanel 299. Examples of objects that may be higher than front panel 299can be the following but not limited to the following: a log, a bicycle,a motorcycle, a trailer, an ATV, a wall, a bench.

Front vestibule 500 is the area between the cycle/motorcycle whichprovides 8.25 square feet of covered area for the user to sit and orstore additional gear. This embodiment incorporates this area as part ofthe seamless roof fabric 101. The inclusion of front vestibule 500 intoroof fabric 101 is eliminating the need for additional bulky covers orextensions to be added to structure 100 which other examples in the artsmust rely upon.

In one embodiment the combination of a 30 inch roof extension (frontvestibule 500) beyond the front panel 299 combined with the ability ofthe entrance 220 to zip down and fall to the outside resulting in acovered area to retreat from the elements. This embodiment example is aunique departure from a traditional frame supported tent.

The tent by design is expressly designed to have no frame and be set upin tension. FIG. 6 shows the alternative pitching method. In thisembodiment variable length tension strap with grommet 710 of reinforcedcorners 110L and 110R can be attached to any solid object that stands atleast as tall as front panel 299. Examples of this type of object can bebut not limited to the following: A vehicle (car, truck, bus,motorcycle, two trees, a fence, a house, a bench).

In one embodiment structure 100 has 22.5 Sq. Ft. of combined interiorstorage and sleeping surface and 11 square feet of covered exteriorstorage space while it has a volume of 35.6 cubic feet of interiorsleeping space.

In one embodiment loft for structure 100 is created in two ways; thefirst is by draping front vestibule 500 over an object and havingvariable length tension straps with grommet 710 angle to the ground andanchor. The second way is to have variable length tension straps withgrommet 710 angle up to an object and anchor. Objects that can be usedin both of the prior embodiments can include but are not limited to amotor cycle, bicycle, ATV, a bench, a fence, trees, or a truck.

Tension for catenary arcs pair 140F, 140B and catenary arc pair 130L ,130R is done in three steps. Step one is to have back corner grommet tab900 for both reinforced corners 120L and 120R securely anchored byinserting a ground stake or other satisfactory ground attachment devicebe inserted through the grommet in back corner grommet tab 900 to theground. Step two is to have variable length tension strap with grommet710 securely anchored this is done by anchor point 530 or anchor point600 or in combination. Step three is to apply pressure to variablelength tension strap with grommet 710 via double Barr buckle 700. Thispressure is created directly by pulling on the loose end of variablelength tension strap with grommet 710. Variable length tension strapwith grommet 710 is run through double Barr buckle 700. The tension isheld in place by double Barr buckle 700. Tensioning can only be doneonce variable length tension strap with grommet 710 is securelyfastened. Once variable length tension strap with grommet 710 issecurely attached pressure is applied to variable length tension strapwith grommet 710, this is done by pulling on the loose end that is runthrough via double Barr buckle 700.

The step of tensioning a variable length tension strap with grommet 710is directly related to the functionality and support of the tent and isunique to this embodiment. Other examples of this art do not provide theuser the opportunity to ensure proper tension of the tent. Thisembodiment is unique; it is designed to account for this stretch and ordistortion of the fabric over time by having the user to uniquelytension the structure 100 each usage. This distortion is furtherdiminished by the fact fabric roof 101 which includes front vestibule500 and rear vestibule 510 in a single seamless panel shaped with twopair of catenary arcs 140F, 140B and 130L and 130R, greatly enhancingthe fabrics stability when it comes to noticeable stretch anddistortion.

This embodiment is unique is several ways 240 the bathtub bottom isunique to the self supporting tensile tent structure as taught herein.

This embodiment does not rely upon any poles or additional hardwaremaking it versatile and unique. This embodiment can repurpose existingobjects one may find or have during an excursion for example a bicycle,motorcycle, trees or even a fence and be able to set up structure 100.

Element 101 and 300 are water proof membranes that are seamless inaccordance with one embodiment. The utilization of an un-seamed rooffabric 101 and side panel 300L and 300R provide increased resistance towater intrusion into the sleeping compartment. Unlike other structuresthat must rely upon additional support poles to provide shape and loftwhich in turn makes it impossible to make the roof un-seamed. Stateddifferently, conventional tent structures cannot adopt or utilize aseamless roof section due to their reliance upon a framed structure, andthus, conventional tent structures are more susceptible to waterintrusion into an interior sleeping compartment.

The absence of seams further reduces the maintenance requirements asthere is no need to maintain such seams for water repellency whenpracticing the embodiments disclosed herein.

The design of this embodiment is a departure from a traditional framesupported tent. Its appearance is untraditional in its single angle rooffabric 101 and its vertical side panels 300L and 300R.

In one embodiment mesh vent 210 and mesh vent 410 locations in theirrespective front panel 299 and back panel 499 controls the air flow ofthe interior sleeping area reducing condensation. Further stated meshvent 210 and mesh vent 410 placement at top edge 250 and top edge 420respectively helps to elevate the presence condensation.

The placement of mesh vent 210 toward first end of structure 171 infront panel 299 and mesh vent 410 toward second end of structure 172 inback panel 499 in a parallel orientation to one another is a significantbenefit in air flow and condensation reduction.

Another embodiment has mesh vent 210 being located under front vestibule500 protecting it from rain penetrating the interior of the tent. Themesh vent 210 of front panel 299 allows for the occupant to view theexterior without having to unzip or otherwise remove a fabric panel.Mesh vent 210 provides a view out by working in combination with thefront vestibule 500 and the height if mesh vent 210 location near thetop edge 250 of front panel 299. In this embodiment the placement ofmesh vent 210 at the top edge 250 of the front pane 1299 preventsexterior persons from viewing into the tent.

The near vertical sides 300L and 300R allow the tent to maximize theinterior volume space.

This embodiment is comprised of 6 fabric sections as outlined in FIGS. 1to 4. Of the 6 panels, roof fabric 101, bathtub bottom 240, front fabric200 and side fabric 300L and 300R there are is a sum total of 10individual fabric pieces that make up the entire sleeping area, frontvestibule 500 and rear vestibule 510. This small number of pieces isagain unique to this particular embodiment and is directly related theembodiments single sloping or lean-to roof design. The minimal number offabric panels decreases the maintenance.

With catenary arcs 140F, 140B and 13L, 130R working in pairs on theperimeter of roof fabric 101 this embodiment has eliminated additionalframe members traditional tents rely on. The elimination of frame workreduces weight, eases set up and reduces the number of supports needed.

Other available tents fail to do what this embodiment does. This tenthas a significant increase in covered space. This embodiment provides atotal of 32.25 sq. ft of covered space. This embodiment's ease of set upis of significant note as in other examples that do utilize bicycle itis required to disassemble or use part of the cycle. This embodimentdoes not require the disassembly of a bicycle, the use of a pump, aninner-tube, a wheel or any other individual part of the bicycle, inorder to utilize the tent. Since it is not necessary to disassemble anypart of the bicycle the tent can set up and taken down faster. Thecurrent embodiment allows for additional methods of set up and does notsolely rely upon the use of the bicycle or any part of a bicycle ormotorcycle see FIG. 6. By not relying upon a portion of thebicycle/motorcycle to set up the tent the bicycle is capable of beingused at a moment's notice. The current embodiment further differs itselffrom other examples of the art as it can be used with a motorcycle inits entirety. The current embodiment can be attached to as little as twotrees, a table or a log and still be completely functional and utilized.

In one embodiment structure 100 is using support member 520 it is ofsignificant note that structural member 520 is not attached to theembodiment in any way.

One embodiment's utilization of the bicycle or motorcycle externally ofthe sleeping compartment keeps said area cleaner and drier. With thebicycle externally located ease of set up and tear down are furtherenhanced as the bicycle does not need to be inserted into or attached tothe tent in any fashion.

An embodiment does not rely upon any poles or frame work of any sort.With the absence of frame members, it is not necessary to assemble thestandard segmented tent pole and slide them into receiving pocketswithin the tent as other examples of the art require. With this absenceof poles for this embodiment it requires significantly less time andeffort to set up than other examples require.

With the parallel orientation of mesh vent 210 located in front panel299 and mesh vent 410 located in back panel 499 to one another the airflow is enhanced and condensation is reduced. In one embodiment meshvent 210 and mesh vent 410 are unencumbered by flaps and zippers currentexamples in the arts have.

One embodiment has mesh vent 210 located in front panel 299 and meshvent 410 located in back panel 499 protected from weather by theirplacement under front vestibule 500 and rear vestibule 510 respectively.

An embodiment allows the user to enter via entrance 220 from a coveredvestibule 500, unlike other examples that have the entry on a weatherexposed side.

In one embodiment the front vestibule 500 is draping over structuralmember 520 bicycle/motorcycle to provide weather coverage for thebicycle. Unlike other examples of the art do not provide weatherprotection for the bicycle/motorcycle or structural member 520.

While the subject matter disclosed herein has been described by way ofexample and in terms of the specific embodiments, it is to be understoodthat the claimed embodiments are not limited to the explicitlyenumerated embodiments disclosed. To the contrary, the disclosure isintended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements as areapparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of theappended claims are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and similar arrangements. It is to beunderstood that the above description is intended to be illustrative,and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those ofskill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description.The scope of the disclosed subject matter is therefore to be determinedin reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

what is claimed is:
 1. A tensile tent structure comprising: a roofcomponent to be positioned above a ground surface; a bathtub bottom tobe positioned below the roof component and further to be positioned atopthe ground surface; a front panel vertically oriented toward a first endof the tensile tent structure and attached to the roof component by atop edge of the front panel and further attached to the bathtub bottomby a bottom edge of the back panel; a back panel vertically orientedtoward a second end of the tensile tent structure and attached to theroof component by a top edge of the back panel and further attached tothe bathtub bottom by a bottom edge of the back panel; a pair of sidepanels, each attached to the roof component, the bathtub bottom, thefront panel, and the back panel; a first pair of reinforced corners atthe second end of the tensile tent structure to anchor the tensile tentstructure to the ground surface; a supporting member to create loft forthe tensile tent structure toward the first end of the tensile tentstructure by elevating the roof component above the ground surface; anda second pair of reinforced corners at the first end of the tensile tentstructure, the second pair of reinforced corners to anchor the tensiletent structure to the ground surface and induce tension into the roofcomponent when erected.
 2. The tensile tent structure of claim 1,wherein the supporting member comprises a vehicle which is re-purposedas the supporting member.
 3. The tensile tent structure of claim 1:wherein the supporting member comprises one of a bicycle, a motorcycle,a natural object, a bench, a fence, or an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV); andwherein the supporting member is re-purposed as the supporting memberand is not provided with or packed with the tensile tent structure whenstored.
 3. The tensile tent structure of claim 1: wherein the roofcomponent comprises a seamless fabric portion as the roof component; andwherein the front panel and back panel are attached to the roofcomponent without separating the seamless fabric portion making up theroof component.
 4. The tensile tent structure of claim 1, wherein asleeping compartment is formed by the encasement of the bathtub bottom,the front panel, the back panel and the two side panels.
 5. The tensiletent structure of claim 4, wherein the sleeping compartment is madestitchless by all attachments between fabrics of the bathtub bottom, thefront panel, the back panel and the two side panels being exterior tothe sleeping compartment.
 6. The tensile tent structure of claim 1:wherein the front panel vertically oriented toward the first end andattached to the roof component by the top edge of the front panelcomprises the front panel being attached with a 30 inch setback from thefirst end of the roof component; and wherein the back panel verticallyoriented toward the second end and attached to the roof component by thetop edge of the back panel comprises the back panel being attached withan 18 inch setback from the second end of the roof component.
 7. Thetensile tent structure of claim 1, wherein the tensile tent structurewhen erected forms a sloping angle downward from the first end of thetensile tent structure to the second end of the tensile tent structure.8. The tensile tent structure of claim 1, further comprising: a pair ofvariable length tensioning straps, each connected with the second pairof reinforced corners at the first end of the tensile tent structure toanchor the tensile tent structure to the ground surface and to vary thetension induced into the roof component when erected.
 9. The tensiletent structure of claim 1, wherein the roof component comprises twopairs of catenary arcs that, when tension is induced into the roofcomponent of the tensile tent structure when erected, the pairs ofcatenary arcs provide structural stability by keeping the roof componenttaunt in proportion to the tension induced when erected.
 10. The tensiletent structure of claim 1: wherein the front panel comprises a firstmesh vent; wherein the back panel comprises a second mesh vent; andwherein the first and second mesh vents are oriented in parallel to oneanother to induce increased airflow and to further reduce condensationwithin a sleeping compartment of the tensile tent structure.
 11. Thetensile tent structure of claim 1, further comprising: a front vestibuleattached to the roof component at the first end to provide a coveredentry into the tensile tent structure when erected; and a rear vestibuleattached to the roof component at the second end to provide a coveredstorage when the tensile tent structure is erected.
 12. The tensile tentstructure of claim 1: wherein the supporting member is one of amotorcycle or a bicycle; wherein the roof component covers themotorcycle or bicycle when the tensile tent structure is erected; andwherein the erected tensile tent structure further secures themotorcycle or bicycle from tampering or theft.
 13. A method comprising:erecting a tensile tent structure as is described in claim 1 to form aninterior sleeping compartment, of the tensile tent structure.
 14. Atensile tent structure comprising: a roof component to be positionedabove a ground surface; a bathtub bottom to be positioned below the roofcomponent and further to be positioned atop the ground surface; a frontpanel vertically oriented toward a first end of the tensile tentstructure and attached to the roof component by a top edge of the frontpanel and further attached to the bathtub bottom by a bottom edge of theback panel; a back panel vertically oriented toward a second end of thetensile tent structure and attached to the roof component by a top edgeof the back panel and further attached to the bathtub bottom by a bottomedge of the back panel; a pair of side panels, each attached to the roofcomponent, the bathtub bottom, the front panel, and the back panel; afirst pair of reinforced corners at the second end of the tensile tentstructure to anchor the tensile tent structure to the ground surface; asupporting member to create loft for the tensile tent structure towardthe first end of the tensile tent structure by elevating the roofcomponent above the ground surface; and a second pair of reinforcedcorners at the first end of the tensile tent structure, the second pairof reinforced corners to anchor the tensile tent structure to astationary object at a height greater than a height of the front panel,wherein the second pair of reinforced corners induce tension into theroof component when erected.